Yahoo Lifestyle Get Beach-Body Ready For Summer
ACTION PLAN
Just like you update your wardrobe for the new season, the same can be said for your beauty cabinet. Embrace the warmer weather by swapping sombre winter make-up for pop coloured lipsticks, glosses and eye shadows. Trade heavy scents for light, floral options and don’t forget to replace your SPF (most only have a 12 month shelf life) for maximum protection.
BEACHY WAVES
If you’re after surfer-girl waves, but prefer to stay on the sand, simply spritz a sea salt spray into damp hair and scrunch while blow-drying to create a sea-swept texture. No wetsuit required.
BEST BUYS: O&M Surf Bomb Sea Salt Spray, $24.95 and Unite BEACH Day Texturising Spray, $29.90.
CONSIDER YOUR DIET
Get your best body by treating it from the inside. While, quick fix solutions like detoxing may be tempting, “They definitely don’t work. While you may lose weight in the short term, you’ll put it back on plus additional weight when you finish,” warns Bianca Monley founder of Eat Fit Food. To kick-start your health regimen try Eat Fit Food’s 10-Day Program. Visit www.eatfitfood.com.au for more information.
DARE TO BARE
“Cellulite is a result of trapped body fat in the interstitial spaces between cells,” explains Janene Barrett, head of postgraduate education for Ella Bache. Sadly creams alone won’t get rid of dimples for good, but they can improve the tone and texture of the skin. Look for options that contain topical diuretics like caffeine and firming agents like Co Enzyme Q10. “A sluggish lymphatic system can also attribute to stubborn cellulite,” she adds. Boost circulation with daily dry body brushing, to help drain away excess fluid, followed by a quick, cold shower.
BEST BUYS: Manicare Wooden Bath Brush, $13.95; Palmer’s Cocoa Butter All Over Firming Lotion, $9.95; Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Gel Lotion with Grape Extract, $7.49; Pevonia Botanica Smooth & Tone Body-Svelt Gel, $137.50.
ENLIST EXFOLIATOR
Did you know that using a body scrub once or twice a week will not only restore radiance, but also help the nutrients form your body cream absorb better?
BEST BUYS: Sanctuary Spa Salt Scrub, $19.99. Milk Face + Body Scrub, $12.95, Ella Bache Earth Enzyme Body Exfoliant, $45.
FIGHT FUZZ
Keep your skin silky all season with these latest DIY hair removal options. Remember that id you are fake tanning, leave 24 hours in between.
BEST BUYS: Gillette Venus & Olay Sugarberry Razor, $14.99 and Nair Bikini and Underarm Roll-On Wax, $13.99.
GO THE DISTANCE
“Less is more when it comes to make-up in summer”, warns Craig Beaglehole, Simple skincare and make-up expert. To prevent your base from sliding off, he recommends choosing products designed to control shine as these are created to combat the effects of extra sebum and sweat. And always keep blotting papers handy to mop up oil and to keep your complexion shine free.
BEST BUYS: Australis Stayput Longwear Foundation, $14.95, Maybelline New York Super Stay 24H Waterproof Powder, $18.95, Yves Saint Laurent Luxurious Waterproof Mascara, $52 and Swisspers Blot-Off Oil Tissues, $6.49.
HOT RIGHT NOW
Pump up your pout this summer with a show-stopping candy hue.
BEST BUYS: NP Set Lipstick in Noosa, $22, The Body Shop Colour Crush Lipstick in 201, $23.95, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fuschia, $21.95 and Illamasqua Lipstick in Immodest, $25.
IN THE KNOW
Ever wondered what beauty editors actually do at the start of summer? To look polished (but to save time in the long run) we book a professional eyebrow, lash tint and spray tan (for the most believable bronze we recommend: The Bronzing Boutique Express Bronze, from $50). And regardless of if our feet are stuck in sandals or stilettos, our toes are treated to a CND shellac pedicure, from $40, for shiny, chip-free results that last up to six weeks.
JET SET TAN
Come summer and swimsuits, fake tan can be a girl’s best friend, offering bronzed limbs without sun damage. But it’s often hard to choose the right one. Here’s how: If your skin is dry, try a lotion. Prone to sensitivity? Opt for a fragrance-free formula. When you’re in a hurry, try a dry spray. First timer? You can’t beat a mousse for fail-safe, streak-free results.
BEST BUYS: J Bronze Dark Tanning Cream, $29.95; St. Tropez Self Tan Sensitive Bronzing Face, $39.95; Invisible Zinc Jet Set Tan, $24.95; and PureTan Pure Bronze Instant Tanning Foam, $34.95.
KEEPING ABREAST
“Not only is [the décolletage] one of the more delicate areas of the body, but generally it’s the first place the sun hits,” explains Barrett. Meaning we’re more susceptible to sunspots, fine lines and wrinkles. To prevent them, she suggests extending your skincare beyond your face both day and night and applying a bust specific product daily to treat the unique needs of this area.
BEST BUYS: Natio Renew Neck & Décolletage Cream, $24.95 and Clarins Extra-Firming Neck Cream, $89.
LIGHTEN UP
Just like your face, your body also suffers from the drying effects of air-con, salt water and sun. So keep your skin supple (but not sticky) with a lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion or save time with a body conditioner that rinses off in the shower, leaving behind a layer of moisture.
BEST BUYS: Biotherm Eau Vitaminee Perfumed Body Milk, $29; Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm, $37; Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion Skin Conditioner, $7.99.
MAINTAIN YOUR MANE
There’s no point investing in a new hue only to have it damaged days at the beach or pool. Secure your shade with products that include UV filters, and also apply a leave-in conditioner to guard your lengths while swimming or spending time outdoors. Don’t forget to use a weekly hydrating mask to keep strands supple.
BEST BUYS: Dove Colour Radiance Leave-In Conditioning & Care Spray, $9.99, Klorane Mango Oil, $22.95; Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Damage & Colour Repair Mask, $9.99.
NEARLY NUDE
“Keeping make-up light and fresh is paramount come summer”, explains Beaglehole. But even the most scrupulously applied make-up won’t stay put on slick skin. Layering on moisturiser, sunscreen and foundation makes for a greasy situation, so instead choose a tinted BB cream that combines all of the above.
BEST BUYS: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Multi-Targeted BB Cream, $40, Lancôme UV Expert BB Complete SPF50+ $52, Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot BBB Cream SPF 30, $55.
OUCH!
Spent a little too much time in the sun? Obviously, prevention is best cure, says Dr. Saxon Smith, specialist dermatologist. But if it’s too late, he recommends soothing scorched skin with a tepid shower and then treating it with aloe vera-based lotion, reapplying it every few hours.
BEST BUY: Reef After Sun Repair Gel, $10.99; Vaseline Total Moisture Aloe Fresh, $5.41; Banana Boat Aloe Mist After Sun Spray, $7.99.
POWER UP YOUR SPF
If you only follow one piece of beauty advice this summer, make it sun protection. And you may have noticed the higher levels of SPFs on the market. So what’s the difference? Not a huge amount according to Dr. Smith. He explains that SPF 30 block 96.67% of UV light, while SPF 50+ block 98.33%.
BEST BUYS: Neutrogena Beach Defence Water + Sun Barrier Spray, SPF 50 $14.99, SunSense Ultra SPF 50+, $10.95, La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL, SPF 50+, $25.95.
QUIT THE FRIZZ
“The key to winning the battle against frizz is to attack your hair while it’s wet,” recommends Harry Josh, international creative consultant, John Frieda. To create a protective barrier that heat and humidity can’t penetrate, he suggests applying products that contain anti-frizz ingredients, such as silicone or glycerine, to damp strands before styling. When blow-drying make sure your strands are 100% dry, for lasting smoothness.
BEST BUYS: KMS California TameFrizz Shampoo, $28.95; John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Finishing Crème, $16.99, Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essential Drops, $46.
READY SET GO
Got a last minute invite but no time to tan? Disguise white pins by spraying your legs with an instant bronzer to help you look fab in a flash.
BEST BUYS: Sally Hansen Air Brush Legs, $24.95.
SHAKE-OFF SHINE
Hot weather can stimulate the sebaceous glands in your skin, causing it to produce more oil than any other time of the year, Barret explains. And while it may be tempting to cleanse more often...don’t! As it will only intensify the problem. Switch your rich cleanser to a light, foaming formula and keep your complexion matt with gels or oil-free moisturisers that help absorb or reduce the production of sebum.
BEST BUYS: Simple Kind To Skin Moistursing Face Wash, $9.99, and Bioderma Anti-Shine Fluid for Combination to Oily Skin, $27.95.
TRY A NEW TREATMENT
Be it in a bikini or strapless dress, you’re bound to be baring your back this season. Show-off smooth, spot-free skin by booking yourself in for some professional pampering such as Venustus Back Cleanse Treatment, $135 for 45mins. It offers a heavenly massage whilst treating imperfections.
UP, UP AND AWAY
After the easiest hairstyle for long, hot summer days? Josh recommends a relaxed braid. Get the look by combing a leave-in conditioner from your mid lengths down. Then using a comb, create a side part and gather your lengths together on one side, low at the nape of your neck. Section them into three even parts and loosely weave to form a plait and then fasten the ends with an elastic. Finish by gently pulling out small parts of the braid, leaving any loose bits to fall free.
BEST BUYS: Toni & Guy Prep Leave In Conditioner, $15.99, Y.S. Park Super Winding Tail Comb, $5 and Scunci Beautiful Blends Hair Elastics, $7.95 for 18.
VACCATION ESSENTIALS
Be it in Bali, Bondi or Biarritz stay safe and look sexy in the sun with these beach bag must-haves.
BEST BUYS: ModelCo Daily Face Mattifying Sunscreen & Lip Balm SPF 50+, $24.95, Avene Thermal Spring Water, $10.95, MoroccanOil Treatment, $26.50, Chanel Waterproof Mascara in Noir, $52 and Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Raspberry, $42.
WORKOUT BUSTERS
We all know that the best way to prepare for a summer on the sand is to schedule some regular exercise into your routine. And as much as we wish 10 minutes a day was enough, if you want to see results, you’ll need to step it up to burn more calories and tone muscle. So embrace the warm weather and instead of a sedentary day in the sun get active outdoors with fun activities like swimming, surfing or bike riding.
X FACTOR
A back-stage trick to smoother-looking limbs in seconds is to mix your foundation and luminising cream into your regular body lotion before lathering it onto your limbs.
BEST BUYS: Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Brightening Make-up, $55, Burberry Fresh Glow Golden Radiance Luminous Fluid Base in No 2, $70, and Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion, $9.99.
YOU BEAUTY
According to a world-first Australian study led by Queenland Australian of the Year Professor Adele Green, people who applied a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF15+ or higher on most days for several years had no detectable photo-ageing of the skin proving that sunscreen is the most powerful anti-ageing tool. “It’s been one of those beauty tips you often hear quoted, but for the first time we can back it with science,” Green confirms.
ZAP IT
You’ve religiously covered your face in sunscreen, and while you’re not sunburnt, you’ve broken out. Whatever you do, don’t give up on SPF. Just try a new formula, that’s mineral or oil-free. You may also need to reconsider your skincare routine: use a face wash or scrub that contains salicylic acid, followed by an oil-free moisturiser. For stubborn spots, apply a leave-on treatment at night to moisturised skin (acne medications aren’t as effective on dry complexions).
BEST BUYS: Biore Blemish Clearing Scrub, $10.99, Khiels Ultra facial Oil-Free Gel Cream, $34, Becca Mineral Tint SPF 30, $35, and Shiseido Blemish Targeting Gel, $43.
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